12th December 2004

Greetings to you all!

Don will share his thoughts with you this morning about some of our reflections over the past 23 years as members at Stirling Family Church , however, if the past months have been any indication, I have the feeling that I will, in all probability, be speechless this morning. On many occasions in recent times I have been overcome with emotion as I have thought about this day, so I would just like to write my goodbyes to you now.

Thank you to all those who have been on this amazing journey with us - some have been here from the beginning - 23 years - and some have only been with us for the last 23 minutes, and are new to the Church today! But that's the nature of this wonderful place - it has always offered stability, offered big doses of God's love, embraced new people, and has always been a church which sows into people, and then sows them out. It's a church where you can Grow in God, and Go in God... to Goolwa. perhaps! We know God has called us there to fulfil His purposes and are SO excited about all that is before us. But, of course, our hearts are here too (not only because of Ben & Matt & Stacey) but because of all that YOU mean to us.

The love, care, and friendship you have shown our family over so many years makes the decision to go a difficult one, but knowing we are going with your blessing and God's leading makes it a possible one.

So it's Goodbye..may God bless you and keep you always..

Love..
Debbie & Don & Tim